Wyoming parents paying child support must route all payments through the State Disbursement Unit (SDU) unless a court order specifies otherwise. The Wyoming Child Support Program accepts online payments via credit card (2.49% convenience fee, minimum $4.95), e-check ($1.00 fee), PayNearMe cash at retail locations ($1.99 fee), and traditional mail-in payments by check or money order. Wage withholding remains the primary payment method, with employers required to remit withheld amounts to the SDU within 7 business days of each payroll under Wyo. Stat. § 20-6-204. The SDU processes payments same-day and disburses funds to custodial parents within 2 business days.
Author: Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq. | Florida Bar No. 21022 | Covering Wyoming divorce law
Key Facts: Wyoming Child Support Payments
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Portal | childsupport.wyoming.gov |
| SDU Phone | (307) 777-5300 or (888) 570-9914 |
| Credit/Debit Fee | 2.49% (minimum $4.95) |
| E-Check Fee | $1.00 |
| PayNearMe Cash Fee | $1.99 |
| Processing Time | 2-5 business days |
| SDU Address | 2300 Capitol Ave, Fifth Floor, Suite A, Cheyenne, WY 82002 |
| Governing Statute | Wyo. Stat. §§ 20-6-201 to 20-6-222 |
| Wage Withholding Limit | 50-65% of disposable income |
| Interest on Arrears | 10% per year |
Wyoming State Disbursement Unit: Your Central Payment Hub
The Wyoming State Disbursement Unit (SDU) is the mandatory payment clearinghouse for all child support payments in the state, processing approximately 95% of child support transactions and ensuring accurate record-keeping for both paying and receiving parents under Wyo. Stat. § 20-6-303. The SDU receives payments from multiple sources including wage withholding, direct payments, and tax intercepts, then disburses funds to custodial parents within 2 business days of receipt. Never pay child support directly to the other parent in cash or personal checks because payments made outside the SDU system create no official record and will not be credited toward your obligation.
The SDU maintains comprehensive payment histories accessible through the Self-Service Portal at childsupport.wyoming.gov. Parents can view their complete payment record, current balance, arrears amounts, and upcoming payment schedules. The portal provides downloadable payment history reports useful for tax purposes, modification hearings, and personal record-keeping. Account access requires registration with your Wyoming child support case number, which appears on all court orders and correspondence from the Wyoming Child Support Program.
Payment processing times vary by method but follow consistent patterns. Credit and debit card payments via the online portal reach the SDU within 3 full business days and post to your account within an additional 2 business days, totaling approximately 5 business days from payment to credit. E-check payments require approximately 8 business days for full processing. PayNearMe cash payments post within 2-3 business days. Wage withholding payments typically reach the SDU within 7 days of each payroll date as employers must remit withheld amounts promptly under federal and state law.
Online Payment Methods: Portal and Electronic Options
Wyoming provides multiple online payment channels allowing parents to pay child support Wyoming obligations conveniently from any device with internet access, with the Self-Service Portal at childsupport.wyoming.gov serving as the primary digital payment gateway accepting credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal with a 2.49% convenience fee (minimum $4.95). The online payment system operates through Value Payment Systems, a secure third-party processor that handles transactions for multiple state child support programs nationwide. Parents can make one-time payments or schedule recurring automatic payments to ensure consistent on-time payment.
To make an online payment through the child support payment portal, you need your Wyoming child support case number (9 digits, add leading zeros if necessary), a valid email address for confirmation receipts, and your payment method information. The portal accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express cards, plus PayPal accounts. Each transaction generates an immediate email confirmation with a reference number that serves as your payment receipt until the SDU posts the payment to your account.
E-check payments offer a lower-cost alternative for budget-conscious parents, charging only $1.00 per transaction compared to the 2.49% credit card fee. For a $500 monthly payment, e-check saves $11.45 per month ($12.45 credit card fee minus $1.00 e-check fee), totaling $137.40 annually. However, e-check payments require approximately 8 business days for the SDU to receive and credit the payment, making them less suitable for parents needing same-day processing for deadline compliance.
The child support direct deposit option works through employer-based wage withholding rather than individual bank transfers. Parents cannot arrange direct ACH transfers from personal bank accounts to the SDU. For those wanting automatic payments without wage withholding, the portal's recurring payment feature using a credit card or PayPal provides the closest equivalent, though convenience fees apply to each automated payment.
Wage Withholding: The Primary Payment Method
Wage withholding child support is the default and preferred payment method under Wyoming law, with approximately 75% of all child support collected through employer-based income withholding as mandated by Wyo. Stat. § 20-6-204 and federal law requiring immediate income withholding in all new child support orders. The court issues an Income Withholding for Support (IWO) order directly to the paying parent's employer, requiring the employer to deduct the specified child support amount from each paycheck and remit it to the State Disbursement Unit (SDU) within 7 business days.
Immediate income withholding takes effect automatically in all new Wyoming child support orders unless one of two narrow exceptions applies under Wyo. Stat. § 20-6-204(c). First, the court may find good cause not to require immediate withholding and state the reasons in the order. Second, both parents may agree in writing that immediate withholding is not appropriate, the court approves the agreement, and the reasons appear in the order. In any case where the Wyoming IV-D (Child Support Enforcement) program participates, immediate income withholding is non-negotiable regardless of parental agreement.
Wyoming law defines income broadly for withholding purposes under Wyo. Stat. § 20-6-202(a)(ix). Subject income includes wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, independent contractor compensation, workers' compensation benefits (temporary total, permanent partial, and permanent total disability payments), unemployment compensation, disability benefits, annuities, retirement benefits, and essentially any other payment from any source. This comprehensive definition ensures child support obligations follow the paying parent across various income sources and employment situations.
Federal law under the Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA) limits the maximum withholding amounts. Employers cannot withhold more than 50% of disposable income when the paying parent supports another spouse or child, 60% when no other dependents exist, 55% (up from 50%) when 12 or more weeks in arrears with other dependents, or 65% (up from 60%) when 12 or more weeks in arrears without other dependents. Wyoming follows these federal limits precisely, protecting paying parents from excessive garnishment while maximizing collection of child support obligations.
Employer Requirements and Electronic Remittance
Employers receiving an Income Withholding Order (IWO) must begin withholding within the first pay period after receiving the order and face civil penalties up to $200 for non-compliance under Wyo. Stat. § 20-6-215, plus potential liability for the full amount that should have been withheld. The Wyoming Child Support Program provides employers with detailed compliance guidance through the employer portal at childsupport.wyo.gov/employers and phone support at (307) 777-5300 or toll-free (888) 570-9914.
Employers can remit withheld child support payments electronically through ACH (Automated Clearing House) credit transfers, which function similarly to direct deposit but flow from employer to the SDU rather than to individual bank accounts. Electronic remittance requires using Wyoming's FIPS code 5600001 and formatting the Remittance ID as a 9-digit numeric identifier with leading zeros (example: 000001234). Employers must not use civil action numbers, docket IDs, or court order IDs as remittance identifiers, and the ID cannot contain letters, spaces, dashes, or decimal points.
Larger employers often use payroll service providers (such as ADP, Paychex, or Gusto) that handle electronic child support remittance automatically. The NACHA (National Automated Clearing House Association) User Guide for Electronic Child Support Payments provides standardized formats and specifications for these transactions. Smaller employers can mail payments to the SDU at 2300 Capitol Ave, Fifth Floor, Suite A, Cheyenne, WY 82002, including the employee's case number on each check.
When an employee has multiple child support orders, employers must send separate payments for each order rather than combining them into a single remittance. Child support withholding takes priority over all other wage garnishments except federal tax levies, meaning child support must be satisfied before creditor garnishments, student loan garnishments, or other court-ordered withholdings. If multiple child support orders exist for different families, the employer follows the priority and allocation rules specified in each order or prorates among current support obligations.
PayNearMe Cash Payments: Retail Payment Option
The Wyoming Department of Family Services partnered with PayNearMe to provide a cash payment option for parents without bank accounts or those preferring cash transactions, allowing payments at Family Dollar, CVS Pharmacy, ACE Cash Express, and participating 7-Eleven locations statewide for a $1.99 convenience fee per transaction. This option serves the estimated 5-7% of American households without bank accounts and provides an alternative for parents who prefer not to use online payment systems.
To use PayNearMe, parents first obtain a PayNearMe Payment Code through the Wyoming Child Support Self-Service Portal or by calling the SDU at (307) 777-5300. The payment code can be printed or sent to a mobile phone as a barcode. At the retail location, present the payment code and cash to the cashier, who processes the payment and provides a receipt. The $1.99 convenience fee is added to your payment amount automatically, so a $500 child support payment requires $501.99 in cash.
PayNearMe payments post to your child support account within 2-3 business days, making this one of the faster payment options despite being a cash-based system. The payment code remains valid for multiple transactions, so parents do not need to generate new codes for each payment. Retain all receipts as proof of payment until the payment appears in your SDU account history on the Self-Service Portal. Payment locations can be found through the PayNearMe location finder at paynearme.com or by asking at any of the participating retail chains.
Mail-In Payments: Check and Money Order
Parents can mail child support payments by check or money order to the Wyoming State Disbursement Unit at 2300 Capitol Ave, Fifth Floor, Suite A, Cheyenne, WY 82002, with no convenience fee for mail-in payments though this method requires careful attention to ensure proper crediting and avoid payment delays. Always write your Wyoming Child Support Case Number (9 digits) on the check or money order memo line to ensure proper credit. Make checks payable to Wyoming State Disbursement Unit.
Mail-in payments require the longest processing time of all payment methods. Allow 5-7 business days for mail delivery plus the SDU's same-day processing and 2-day disbursement timeline, totaling approximately 7-10 business days from mailing to account credit. For deadline-sensitive payments, mail payments at least 2 weeks before the due date or use a faster payment method. The SDU stamps payments with the date received (not the postmark date), so late-received payments may accrue penalties even if mailed on time.
Never send cash through the mail because cash payments cannot be tracked or verified if lost. Money orders provide more security than personal checks because they cannot bounce, protecting you from potential returned payment fees and ensuring immediate credit upon SDU receipt. If a check bounces, the payment is reversed from your account and the returned check may trigger additional fees and potentially enforcement actions if the failed payment causes you to fall into arrears.
Payment Processing and Disbursement Timeline
| Payment Method | SDU Receives | Account Credit | Total Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wage Withholding | 7 days from payroll | 2 days | 9 days | None |
| Credit/Debit Card | 3 business days | 2 business days | 5 business days | 2.49% (min $4.95) |
| PayPal | 3 business days | 2 business days | 5 business days | 2.49% (min $4.95) |
| E-Check | 8 business days | Included | 8 business days | $1.00 |
| PayNearMe Cash | 2-3 business days | Included | 2-3 business days | $1.99 |
| Mail (Check/Money Order) | 5-7 days | 2 days | 7-10 days | None |
The Wyoming SDU processes incoming payments same-day and issues disbursements to custodial parents within 2 working days under Wyo. Stat. § 20-6-303. This rapid processing means custodial parents typically receive funds within a few days of the SDU receiving payment, regardless of payment method. The SDU distributes payments via direct deposit to custodial parents who have registered their bank account information, or by paper check mailed to the address on file.
Payments are applied first to current support obligations, then to arrears, following the priority rules in Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-405. If you owe both current support and past-due amounts, your payment satisfies the current month's obligation before any amount applies to arrears. This priority protects custodial parents' monthly income expectations while still allowing gradual arrears reduction. To pay down arrears faster, make payments exceeding your current monthly obligation.
Enforcement for Non-Payment: Consequences of Missing Payments
Wyoming imposes a 10% penalty on current missed child support payments and 10% annual interest on amounts reduced to judgment, creating significant financial consequences for payment delays under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-308. A $500 monthly payment missed for 6 months accumulates to $3,000 in principal plus approximately $150 in penalties and interest, escalating rapidly. The Wyoming Child Support Program actively enforces all support orders through multiple administrative and judicial mechanisms.
The Treasury Offset Program (TOP) intercepts federal and state tax refunds to satisfy child support arrears. Wyoming participates fully in TOP, submitting cases with arrears exceeding $150 (for public assistance cases) or $500 (for non-public assistance cases) to the federal Office of Child Support Services. When you file your federal tax return, the IRS checks your Social Security Number against the TOP database and redirects refunds to satisfy child support debts before you receive any remaining balance.
Wyoming is a zero tolerance state for passport denial, meaning parents with arrears exceeding $2,500 cannot receive or renew a U.S. passport until the entire arrears balance is paid in full. Unlike some states that allow payment arrangements for passport restoration, Wyoming requires complete satisfaction of all past-due support. This enforcement tool significantly impacts parents needing international travel for work or personal reasons.
Additional enforcement actions include driver's license suspension, professional license suspension (including medical, legal, and trade licenses), recreational license suspension (hunting and fishing), credit bureau reporting damaging your credit score, property liens, bank account levies, and contempt of court proceedings that can result in fines and up to 6 months in jail for willful non-payment. Once arrears exceed triple the current monthly obligation, Wyoming automatically places liens on real and personal property owned by the paying parent under Wyo. Stat. § 20-6-110.
Modifying Your Child Support Order
Parents experiencing significant income changes can petition for child support modification rather than simply stopping or reducing payments, which always triggers enforcement actions regardless of the underlying circumstances. Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-311, Wyoming courts may modify child support upon showing a material change in circumstances such as job loss, substantial income increase or decrease (typically 20% or more), disability, or significant changes in custody arrangements. Modification is not automatic and requires court approval.
To request modification through the Wyoming Child Support Program, contact the office at (307) 777-5300 and request a modification review. The program will gather income information from both parents and calculate whether the current order differs from what the Wyoming Child Support Guidelines would produce by at least 20%. If so, the program can petition the court for modification on your behalf at no cost. Alternatively, parents can hire private attorneys to file modification petitions directly with the court.
Until a court grants modification, the original order remains fully enforceable. Continue making payments under the existing order while your modification request is pending. Stopping payments or making reduced payments based on an expected modification will result in arrears accumulation and potential enforcement actions. Courts have no authority to retroactively reduce support obligations to a date before the modification petition was filed, making prompt action essential when circumstances change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up automatic child support payments in Wyoming?
Wyoming offers automatic payment through wage withholding or recurring online payments via the Self-Service Portal at childsupport.wyoming.gov. Wage withholding is court-ordered and automatic in most cases under Wyo. Stat. § 20-6-204. For recurring online payments, log into the portal, select your case, and set up scheduled credit card or PayPal payments with a 2.49% convenience fee per transaction.
What is the Wyoming State Disbursement Unit phone number?
The Wyoming State Disbursement Unit can be reached at (307) 777-5300 or toll-free at (888) 570-9914. The fax number is (307) 777-5301. Phone hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mountain Time. The SDU handles payment processing questions, payment history requests, and address updates for both paying and receiving parents.
Can I pay child support directly to my ex-spouse in Wyoming?
No, Wyoming requires all child support payments to go through the State Disbursement Unit unless the court specifically orders otherwise in rare circumstances. Direct payments to your ex-spouse create no official record and will not be credited toward your obligation under Wyo. Stat. § 20-6-303. Always use the SDU to ensure proper documentation.
What happens if my employer fails to withhold child support?
Employers who fail to withhold or remit child support face civil penalties up to $200 and potential liability for the full amount that should have been withheld under Wyo. Stat. § 20-6-215. Courts may also hold non-compliant employers in civil contempt. Report employer non-compliance to the Wyoming Child Support Program at (307) 777-5300.
How long does it take for child support payments to post in Wyoming?
Payment posting times vary by method: credit/debit cards take 5 business days, e-checks take 8 business days, PayNearMe cash payments take 2-3 business days, wage withholding takes approximately 9 days from payroll, and mailed checks take 7-10 days. The SDU processes received payments same-day and disburses within 2 working days.
What percentage can Wyoming take from my paycheck for child support?
Wyoming follows federal Consumer Credit Protection Act limits: 50% of disposable income if supporting another spouse or child, 60% if no other dependents, 55% if 12+ weeks in arrears with other dependents, or 65% if 12+ weeks in arrears without other dependents. Child support withholding takes priority over most other garnishments.
How do I pay child support arrears faster in Wyoming?
To accelerate arrears payoff, make payments exceeding your current monthly obligation. The excess applies to arrears after satisfying current support under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-405. Use the online portal at childsupport.wyoming.gov to make additional one-time payments. Contact the Child Support Program about lump-sum payment arrangements if you receive a settlement or bonus.
Can Wyoming suspend my license for unpaid child support?
Yes, Wyoming can suspend driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, professional licenses, occupational licenses, and recreational licenses (hunting and fishing) for child support non-payment. License suspension is an administrative enforcement action that does not require court involvement. Reinstatement requires bringing the account current or establishing an approved payment arrangement.
What is the interest rate on child support arrears in Wyoming?
Wyoming charges a 10% penalty on current missed monthly payments and 10% annual interest on amounts reduced to judgment under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-308. This interest compounds, meaning unpaid arrears grow significantly over time. A $5,000 arrears balance accrues approximately $500 in interest annually if no payments are made.
Where do I mail my child support check in Wyoming?
Mail child support payments to: State of Wyoming Disbursement Unit, 2300 Capitol Ave, Fifth Floor, Suite A, Cheyenne, WY 82002. Write your Wyoming Child Support Case Number (9 digits) on the check memo line. Make checks payable to Wyoming State Disbursement Unit. Allow 7-10 days for mail delivery and processing.